Brigade - Helping CEMEX to Cement a Safer Future

• 
• 3rd June 2008
• Materials Handling
 

In the lead up to the 2012 Olympics, a vast increase in construction lorries across the capital has raised concern for cyclist and pedestrian safety, especially in relation to left turning vehicles. CEMEX is leading the way in construction vehicle safety by adopting approved blind spot solutions on all its vehicles ahead of the EU directive implementation deadline in March 2009.

Ready mixed concrete trucks from the global building materials provider, recently featured in ‘Inside Out', a BBC local news programme which highlighted the issues surrounding blind spot fatalities and is a fine example of a company that has listened to campaigner's warnings that blind spots can cause death and serious injuries. In the programme, MP Emily Thornberry Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group, called upon the government to make blind spot mirrors or camera systems for all heavy goods vehicles and trucks compulsory before 2009, the date by which the EU legislation says all lorries must be fitted with them.

Some European Countries have already adopted the safety measures including; the Netherlands, Denmark and Belgium but the UK has been slow to react. All CEMEX trucks now have EU regulation blind spot mirrors and they have taken additional measures to increase safety.

CEMEX has recently fitted Brigade Electronics ‘Side-scan' system to its cement tippers, for turning left. This operates in a similar way to car parking sensors, but is fitted to the near side of the truck, linked to the truck's left indicator to warn the driver is anything is in the danger zone to the left side of the vehicle. CEMEX has also fitted Brigade's speaking alarm ‘Backchat', with a bespoke message warning people that the vehicle is about to turn. The combination systems thus alert both parties to the dangers.

Brigade reversing cameras have been fitted discreetly on the back of ready mixed concrete trucks and tippers and linked to a monitor in the cab. The camera is activated when the reverse gear is selected, providing the driver with an unprecedented view of objects in the danger zone.

While the deadline for implementing the EU legislation (2007/38EC) is less than a year away, campaigners argue that many more lives will be put at risk unless companies follow the example of CEMEX and take action now.

Brigade Electronics Plc is based at Brigade House, The Mills, Station Road, South Darenth, Kent, DA4 9BD. Telephone 01322 420350.. Fax 0870 774 1502.